Optimising blog images is essential for improving your Webflow blog’s performance, ensuring faster load times, and enhancing search visibility.
By following best practices, marketing teams can maintain high-quality visuals while optimising website speed and user experience.
Why Image Optimisation Matters
Properly optimised images contribute to:
- Faster Load Times: Reducing image sizes improves page speed and user experience.
- Improved SEO: Search engines prioritise faster websites and properly tagged images.
- Better User Engagement: Quick-loading images reduce bounce rates and keep users engaged.
- Reduced Bandwidth Usage: Helps lower hosting costs and improves overall site efficiency.
Step 1: Choose the Right Image Format
Selecting the correct image format ensures the best balance between quality and file size:
- JPEG: Best for photographs and complex images with many colours.
- PNG: Ideal for images that require transparency or fine details.
- WebP: A modern format offering superior compression and quality.
- AVIF: An advanced format providing better compression than WebP with high visual fidelity.
- SVG: Best for icons and logos that require scalability without quality loss.
Step 2: Resize Images to Optimal Dimensions
Uploading images at their required display size helps reduce unnecessary data load.
- Identify the maximum size your blog images need to be displayed.
- Resize images using tools like:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Canva
- Webflow’s built-in resizing options
- Recommended sizes:
- Blog post featured images: 1200px width
- Inline images: 800px width
Step 3: Compress Images Without Losing Quality
Compression reduces file size while preserving image quality.
- Use tools like:
- TinyPNG or TinyJPG
- Squoosh
- ImageOptim
- Webflow’s built-in image compression tool allows you to convert JPEG, PNG, and WebP assets to AVIF or WebP directly within the Assets panel.
How to Convert Images in Webflow
- Open the Assets panel in Webflow.
- Select the asset(s) you want to convert.
- Choose between AVIF or WebP.
- Click Compress and republish your site.
Important: AVIF and WebP images are not supported for OpenGraph images. Keep backups of original files before converting, as the process cannot be reversed within Webflow.
Step 4: Implement Lazy Loading
Lazy loading ensures images only load when they enter the viewport, improving page speed.
- In Webflow, enable lazy loading by selecting the image and setting the “Lazy Load” option.
- Test performance improvements using Google PageSpeed Insights.
Step 5: Optimise Image File Names
Descriptive filenames improve search rankings and accessibility.
- Use meaningful, keyword-rich filenames (e.g.,
webflow-image-optimisation-tips.jpginstead ofIMG12345.jpg). - Keep file names short and relevant to blog content.
Step 6: Add Descriptive Alt Text
Alt text enhances accessibility and SEO by describing image content to search engines and users with screen readers.
- Include primary keywords naturally.
- Keep descriptions concise yet informative (e.g., "Webflow blog image optimisation tips for SEO").
Step 7: Use Webflow’s Image Optimisation Features
Webflow offers native features to help optimise images automatically:
- Automatic Compression: Webflow compresses uploaded images for better performance.
- Responsive Image Scaling: Webflow serves different sizes based on the user’s device.
- Built-in Format Conversion: Easily convert assets to WebP or AVIF in the CMS Collections panel.
Step 8: Monitor Image Performance
Regularly check your site’s performance to identify areas for improvement.
- Use tools like:
- Google PageSpeed Insights
- Webflow Site Audit
- Lighthouse
- Analyse page speed scores and adjust images accordingly.
Conclusion
Optimising blog images for faster load times and SEO is crucial for maintaining a high-performing Webflow blog.
By selecting the right formats, resizing, compressing, and leveraging Webflow’s built-in features, marketing teams can enhance both site speed and search visibility.